1970s sex classic 'The Joys Of Sex' to undergo 21st century makeover

London, Aug 26 : It has helped spice up the love lives of countless couples worldwide, and now after almost three decades, the seminal manual, The Joys Of Sex, is set for a 21st century makeover.

The 'New Joy Of Sex' brings the 1972 original, written by Dr Alex Comfort, into the 21st Century.

Dr Comfort died in 2000 so Susan Quilliam, a relationships psychologist and agony aunt, led the makeover.

The first change fans will notice is the cover. Gone is the bearded hippy in a line drawing of an embracing couple. In his place is a clean-shaven bloke with his lover in a soft-focus photo.

Tastefully shot snaps also replace the line drawings inside the old book - although updated sketches remain for some of the more racy images and positions.

The text has undergone major changes, too. Scoring a major strike for women, new author Susan has added a section on the clitoris and the nipples.

But advice on how to make love on horseback and the back of a motorbike has been cut because they are "illegal and dangerous".

A section on prostitution has also gone, while the emphasis on group sex has been toned down.

"Alex Comfort was writing in an age when free love was the fashion. Fidelity is seen as much more important nowadays, we understand how hurtful sleeping around can be on relationships. So I removed or toned down the things that wouldn't be acceptable," The Sun quoted Susan, as saying.

"Nowadays we also realise the harm prostitution does. We didn't think it had anything to do with loving relationships," she added.

Other listings which don't make it into the new version include the "chastity belt", "grope suit" and PVC outfits termed "the wet look".

While blokes will, no doubt, be relieved to see advice to women not to shave their legs and armpits has also got the chop.

Instead, the ins and outs of a range of new topics are explored, including phone sex, blindfolds, filming frolics, sex shops and fantasies.

Susan said: "The whole technology side of things is important. People are meeting online and even having relationships over the Internet. I also emphasized sex toys more. Dr Comfort had one section called Gadgets And Gimmicks. I have expanded that into around ten sections.

"I also expanded the section on bondage because it is a lot more common now to use things such as handcuffs and blindfolds."